Duke Ellington School of the Arts - Washington, D.C.

Reimagining a historic landmark into a world-class arts institution, the 265,000-square-foot, LEED Gold-certified Duke Ellington School of the Arts was completed in 2017 after a 26-month transformation. Formerly Western High School, this national treasure was meticulously restored and expanded by 100,000 square feet, blending history with innovation to match the school's nationally renowned reputation.

The design honors the past while embracing the future, preserving and replicating the original historic fabric while introducing striking new architectural elements. The result is a dynamic “Arts Machine” - a space that exposes and celebrates the creative energy within, fostering collaboration across disciplines while inviting the DC community to experience the school’s pre-professional arts programs firsthand.

The project seamlessly integrates traditional academic spaces within the original restored classrooms, while bold contemporary additions house expansive studios, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues. One of the structure’s most striking features is a single column supporting two massive “scorpion tail” steel members - extending nearly 30 feet before elegantly curving up to meet the theater’s roof.

Through innovation, precision, and respect for its legacy, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts now stands as a premier facility worthy of its title as DC’s crown jewel for arts education.